As the Iowa Legislature’s 2015 session progresses, several pieces of pro-gun and anti-gun legislation have been filed in the state House.
State Representative Matt Windschitl (R-17) has filed the following pro-gun measures:
House File 45 – Emergency Powers - This bill would prohibit any government agency from confiscating or regulating the lawful possession, carrying, transfer, transportation and defensive use of firearms or ammunition during a state of emergency, such as the actions that occurred in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana.
House File 59 – Preemption Reform - Since the “Shall Issue” carry permit system went into effect, municipalities have taken it upon themselves to interpret current sections of Iowa’s firearm laws to suit their own agenda. Some counties in Iowa have sought to ban firearms from public properties -- effectively denying gun owners the ability to protect themselves outside the home. Iowa has a firearm preemption law that prohibits counties from passing ordinances that are more restrictive than state law; however, the firearms preemption statute needs to be strengthened to prevent current and future attempts to circumvent this law by local county governments. This proposed legislation will place the sole authority on these matters with the state legislature and help to prevent a confusing patchwork of local ordinances.
State Representative Greg Heartsill (R-28) has filed the following pro-gun bills:
House File 99 – A parent or guardian or spouse who is 21 years of age or older, of a person below the age of 21 may allow the person to possess a pistol or revolver or the ammunition therefor for any lawful purpose while under the direct supervision of the parent or guardian or spouse who is 21 years of age or older, or while the person receives instruction in the proper use thereof from an instructor 21 years of age or older, with the consent of such parent, guardian or spouse.
House File 92 - This legislation would remove a person’s “duty to retreat” from an attacker. This would allow law-abiding citizens to protect themselves or their family anywhere they are lawfully present. This legislation would also expressly enhance the protections against criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits when justifiable force is used.
State Representative Bruce Hunter (D-34) has filed three anti-gun bills, which have been sent to the House Judiciary Committee. Judiciary Chairman Chip Baltimore (R-47) is standing with firearms owners and has stated that these measures will not be considered by the Committee due to their infringement on your rights. Please thank Representative Baltimore for protecting your firearm freedoms!
House File 70 - Would ban the sale or transfer of any magazine that holds more than 10 rounds of ammunition.
House File 76 - Would make it a felony to sell or transfer commonly owned semi-automatic rifles or handguns.
House File 77 – “Universal” Background Checks - Seeks to impose “universal” background checks on law-abiding gun owners in the Hawkeye State. This bill targets and criminalizes the private sale, transfer or loan of any firearm to anyone, even immediate family members, without first having a background check performed by a licensed firearms dealer. “Universal” background checks do nothing to reduce crime, and will only affect law-abiding gun owners by creating cumbersome mandates and restrictions on the lawful purchase and possession of firearms. It is already illegal to knowingly sell or transfer a firearm to someone classified as a prohibited person, and is a felony for a prohibited person to buy, own or possess a firearm.
Your NRA-ILA will continue to work closely with your legislators in the House and Senate, and in the coming weeks more pro-gun bills will be filed to ensure your Second Amendment rights are protected and even restored. Please keep an eye on your email for future legislative updates from your NRA-ILA.
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